James Acaster interview

With Yoko Ono just having released her latest album, one passionate, committed, Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated comedian is preparing to do 'the impossible, the unthinkable' and disprove the decades old theory... that Yoko Ono split up The Beatles.

Waving a white flag in the name of fifth wheels and groupies everywhere, stand-up James Acaster is demanding peace talks as part of his new stand-up tour. In a bid to rally the people, Acaster will be touring the UK to spread the gospel that "we've got her all wrong" and all Yoko Ono ever did was "eat a few too many of their biscuits and maybe sit on a couple of amps!".

The comedian said of his 'campaign', "She's an 80 year old woman whose only crime was falling in love, and yet still haters be hating. She may not have asked for my help but my god she's going to get it!"

James Acaster will be delivering his 'Yoko Ono is innocent' polemic as part of his Lawnmower show, in which he also divulges why he dresses head to toe in Marks & Spencer and the manifold reasons why he's obsessed with Mariachi music.

Here's a quick Q&A with the rising star...

Hi James. In your own words, could you give us a short biography...

I was born in Kettering, played in bands then turned my hand to stand-up age 23. I live with my friend Joe and watch a lot of Netflix.

This year's Edinburgh Festival saw you receive your second Foster's Comedy Award nomination in a row. Congratulations. So what are your next goals then?

I'm recording my own Radio 4 series next year and returning to New Zealand for the comedy festival in May. I'll also be writing another show which I will take to Edinburgh and out on tour.

Tell us about Lawnmower...

It's a low key whimsical stand-up comedy show where the trivial subjects become the most important in all the world.

Part of the aim of the show is to prove that Yoko Ono was not solely responsible for breaking up The Beatles. What evidence have you uncovered thus far?

That would be telling - I present the evidence in the show. But I will say this, she's done a lot of positive work to raise awareness about Fracking, so she can't be that bad.

You're often described as 'low-key', how do you manage to remain so unaffected by the chaotic world around you?

Maybe I am affected by it, maybe the chaotic world around me is the reason I'm low key. Hmmm?

This is your third UK tour, is there anything you'll be doing differently on the road?

I will be winding up my tour support a lot more frequently and maybe making more stops at interesting places - like Maize Mazes. One day I simply have to give in to my curiosity and go into the Maize Maze.

Is it fair to say you're one of Kettering's biggest exports?

I've still got a long way to go before I'm one of the biggest exports. It feels good to be from Kettering, it's a mellow place, full of hip dudes.

Kettering is famous for its Weetabix factory, something you've covered in the past. What is your favourite way to have Weetabix and why?

Milk and sugar - the classic. The real trick is to get them as firm or supple as you like. You develop a great sense of timing when you're a regular bix eater.

Which comedians inspired you to pursue a career in stand-up?

There was a man in a red jacket who hosted the village variety show when I was 12. He was funny and made telling jokes look like an enjoyable profession. Looking back though, some of his jokes were inappropriate.

If you were not a comedian, what would you be?... A Mariachi musician?

Yes. But I would also consider a career in Scuba diving, forensics or sign language.

James Acaster's Lawnmower UK Tour runs from the 3rd October - 30th November 2013. For more details visit www.jamesacaster.com